Practical information

Who is it for?

Everybody who speaks frequently in English with colleagues our international relations.

Dates

28 September, 5 and 12 October

Class

14.30-17.00

Workshops

3

Location

Amsterdam

Fees

€ 395,- course materials included (open training course)

The exact cost for a private or in-company workshop will depend on your needs and the size of the group. Would you like to know more? Just fill in our contact form or call us on 020 - 598 64 20. We will be happy to make an appointment with you for a free consultation without any obligation.

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Networking and small talk

Having a nice chat with a business partner? No problem. Networking at drinks parties? Great fun. The social aspect is a vital part of building long-term working relationships. But what if you suddenly need to network in English? Or you start working with English-speaking colleagues? Would you still be able to chat with ease in the same pleasant, informal way? Brush up your English conversational skills in our Networking and small talk course.

In the Taalcentrum-VU’s Networking and small talk course you will learn how to start a conversation, how to hold the other person’s attention, and how to make small talk in a professional context. You will learn and experiment with words and expressions that are not only useful for networking events, but also for those informal chats at the coffee machine or before the start of a meeting.

What skills will you gain from our Networking and small talk course?

After completing this course, you will be able to communicate in a professional manner with your international business partners and English-speaking colleagues. You will have a larger vocabulary, an understanding of the do’s and don’ts of networking and small talk, and you will be more flexible in English conversations. Discover in detail what the course is about by clicking the topics below.

Programme components

Introducing yourself and your organization

What is the best way to introduce yourself and your organization? How do you start a conversation and what useful opening lines might you use?

English for different situations

As in Dutch, you’ll have to deal with a range of conversational situations when speaking English. Learn to use a range of phrases and expressions for different settings, from conference dinners to pre-meeting chatter.

Fluency and pronunciation

Pronunciation doesn’t need to be a barrier. Our Networking and small talk course will show you how to avoid common pronunciation mistakes. It also gives you tips on how to become more fluent and sound even better in English.

Cultural differences

An awareness of the cultural differences between you and your business partner is a real help when doing international business. What’s the best way to handle cultural differences, and how do you avoid the pitfalls of polite communication in English?

Make small talk

In our Networking and small talk course we’ll also cover the art of small talk. Dropping a joke into the conversation, enquiring about your business partner’s vacation plans or discussing the latest sports developments. And all of that in English!

Keeping the conversation going

Nothing is so annoying as a conversation that dries up due to a lack of language skills. What is the best way to keep the conversation going? What useful words and expressions can we use to manage a conversation and avoid awkward silences?